The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced red alert on Sunday for the Najran region, warning of an unstable weather condition characterized by the formation of dense dust particles that directly affect daily life and traffic in the region.
The meteorological department explained in its report that the weather conditions are not limited to the city of Najran, but extend to several of its governorates and affiliated centers, namely: Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Habuna, Yadma, and Khubash. Forecasts indicate that these dust particles will lead to a near-zero horizontal visibility, potentially dropping to one kilometer or less in some open areas and on highways, necessitating extreme caution.
The center indicated that this weather condition will continue, God willing, until 9:00 AM today, urging citizens and residents to follow weather updates through official channels. This warning comes as part of the center's commitment to the safety of lives and property through its automated early warning system. The "red alert" typically indicates severe or violent weather phenomena that necessitate taking immediate precautionary measures and staying away from hazardous areas.
In a related context, such weather phenomena are common in desert regions during seasonal fluctuations; however, their impact on road safety necessitates strict adherence to safe driving practices. Road safety experts advise drivers in such conditions to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, use hazard lights when necessary, and avoid high speeds due to reduced visibility and sudden changes in road conditions caused by dust accumulation.
From a health perspective, doctors and specialists emphasize the need to take preventative measures during dust storms, especially for those with respiratory conditions, asthma, and allergies. They advise avoiding going outdoors unless absolutely necessary, and stress the importance of wearing medical masks to reduce inhalation of fine dust particles that can irritate the airways. They also recommend keeping windows and doors tightly closed in homes to prevent dust from entering.
The relevant authorities in the Kingdom, including the Civil Defense and Road Security, are working in continuous coordination with the National Center for Meteorology to deal with such emergency situations, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and to provide the necessary assistance to those affected in the event of any accidents, God forbid, as a result of bad weather conditions.
